Description
Cowboy butter chicken linguine is a bold and flavorful pasta dish made with juicy chicken, creamy cowboy butter sauce, and perfectly cooked linguine. Infused with garlic, herbs, and smoked paprika, this comfort food favorite is ideal for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Easy to customize, this dish is satisfying, adaptable, and always crowd-pleasing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz linguine
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional: diced tomatoes, roasted red peppers, chili flakes
- Optional: heavy cream or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
- In a skillet over medium heat, sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice, dried parsley, and a pinch of red pepper flakes (if using).
- Return chicken to the skillet, add linguine, and toss to coat in sauce.
- Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- Serve hot, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Add a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese to make the sauce creamier.
- For a spicy version, use chili flakes or hot sauce.
- Substitute gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
- Enhance umami flavor with Worcestershire or soy sauce.
- Pairs well with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a glass of red wine.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~580 kcal
- Sugar: ~2 g
- Sodium: ~500 mg
- Fat: ~35 g
- Saturated Fat: ~17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~15 g
- Trans Fat: ~0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: ~38 g
- Fiber: ~2 g
- Protein: ~32 g
- Cholesterol: ~110 mg